Construction union protests over welfare facilities

Construction union protests over welfare facilities



Construction union UCATT has demonstrated outside the Crossrail offices in Holborn to protest what it has alleged as “appalling” welfare facilities for workers.


On 29th September, representatives from UCATT took to the streets to raise concerns over the treatment of the 1,000 employees working on the site.

UCATT alleged that workers have reported severe failures of the fingerprint recognition system resulting in them not being paid correctly.

The union also alleged that workers have to walk up to two miles to use a toilet and that there is a severe lack of canteen space.

At the demonstration, UCATT member Declan Murphy said: “It’s an outrage.

“[These workers] aren’t getting their fair share of a £42m project.”

UCATT alleged that it has been attempting to resolve the issues with the contractors ATC, but has been barred from accessing the site.

ATC is formed of a joint venture between Alstom, Costain and French rail specialist TSO S.A.S.

A Crossrail spokesperson said: “We have asked the contractor ATC … to investigate the issues that were raised at the demonstration.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for ATC added: “We have robust procedures in place, and have assured our team members that all hours that are worked will be paid.

“The booking-in system is being fully investigated and as a precaution, a dedicated timekeeper has been placed at Fisher Street to assist with any issues.

“With regards to the welfare, facilities are in place where possible.

“Due to the obvious restrictions within some of the tunnels, ATC is working with the other contractors at the stations to enable the use of their toilets.”



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